Home-Start North West Kent
People: Improving people’s mental wellbeing
We would like to fund the volunteer parents who need recruiting and training annually in order to provide home visiting support for 160+ families referred each year.
About this cause
Covid lockdown was a challenge for Home-Start. However, our volunteers managed to continue supporting families by phone, garden visits or park walks. We have recently relaunched group support, particularly positive for parents further isolated by Covid. Mental wellbeing has always been a focus, but increasing need has been evident in the 190 referrals received in 2021/22. A coach trip is overdue.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Some parents supported by Home-Start choose to train as home visiting volunteers later, due to the difference made while benefiting from weekly support. As a multi-cultural service, with 18 languages within our team, families new to the area can be supported. Everyone involved with Home-Start benefits. Volunteers are often making good of difficulties previously experienced – to help others.